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Wimbledon Day 3 recap: Ferrer, Azarenka and Gulbis bow out early

LONDON -- It wasn't a redux of last year's wacky Wednesday, but both the men's and women's draws took a hit with losses by David Ferrer, Victoria Azarenka and Ernests Gulbis at the All England Club.

What happened?

No. 118 Andrey Kuznetsov knocks out No. 6 seed David Ferrer: Ferrer was dealing with a stomach virus for nearly ten days before Wimbledon started, so the loss, which ended his streak of 17 consecutive third-round appearances at the majors, wasn't a complete shock. But his 7-6 (5), 0-6, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6 loss to a qualifier was surprising. Kuznetsov was the Wimbledon boys' champion in 2009 and showed off an impressive display of power hitting to oust the former semifinalist. 

"I lost because my opponent, he was better," Ferrer said. "I think I did a good game. But he surprised to me and he play very good. A lot of winners."

Ferrer's loss opens up the draw for both Andy Murray and Grigor Dimitrov. Both men cruised into the third round with straight set victories. Murray will play No. 27 seed Roberto Bautista Agut next, while Dimitrov will play No. 21 seed Alexandr Dolgopolov.

Victoria Azarenka's comeback falls short: The No. 8 seed played a good match against No. 45 Bojana Jovanovski, but it just wasn't good enough, as she lost to No. 45 Bojana Jovanovski. The loss opens up a bottom half of the draw that was already fairly light. The seeds remaining in Azarenka's quarter are No. 4 Agnieszka Radwanska, Dominika Cibulkova, Lucie Safarova and Ekaterina Makarova. 

Novak Djokovic shows off his sportsmanship in an entertaining win over Radek Stepanek: It was the most entertaining match of the tournament so far, with the wily Czech veteran taking Djokovic to four sets before the Serb came through 6-4, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (5). Djokovic actually led the third set tiebreak 5-2 before losing the next five points and finding himself in a tight fourth set. As Stepanek threw himself around the court -- how in the world didn't he pick up a grass stain? -- the crowd oohed and ahhed at the shotmaking and athleticism on display. And when it comes to good karma, Djokovic conceding a point he didn't need to concede won't hurt. 

Ana Konjuh, 16, makes the third round: The Czech won two junior Grand Slams last year and then decided to turn pro, only to undergo elbow surgery after the Australian Open. She came in with just one tour-level win this year and now, after earning her main draw slot by qualifying, she's into the third round of a Slam for the first time, beating Yanina Wickmayer 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. Did I mention she fired 18 aces en route to the win? Big talent here and another youngster to watch. 

Petra Kvitova and Venus Williams set up a blockbuster third round match: Kvitova looked like her 2011 self, losing just two games to Mona Barthel. She's lost just five games in two matches, dishing out two bagel sets. Venus had a tougher time, coming back from 1-4 in the first set tiebreaker to beat Karumi Nara 7-6 (4), 6-1. The two former Wimbledon champions will play on Friday.

Sergiy Stakhovsky sent 12th-seeded Ernests Gulbis packing:It's no big deal. That just means Gulbis will have more time for vampire slaying

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Sam Querrey were suspended for light... again: Both men will be playing for the fourth straight day when they retake the court to complete their second round match, which was suspended at 9-all in the fifth set. Both of their respective first round matches were called for light on Monday. 

WERTHEIM: Dimitrov showing off his potential to be one of tennis' best

Photo of the day

Novak Djokovic stretches to reach the ball against Radek Stepanek.

Novak Djokovic stretches to reach the ball against Radek Stepanek.

GIF of the day

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Radek Stepanek collapses onto the court in a very dramatic manner.

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